Am I the only one who can't seem to take of from a light at even 1/2 throttle without chirping my tires? And if I really try to beat somebody off the line and go full throttle in 1st gear (even gently rolling in to the throttle), I sometimes get ****loads of tire squeal - it's kind of embarassing and attracts attention I really don't want!

I guess with loads of torque and FWD it's always going to be tricky finding traction, but the HHR SS seems worse than most. I've noticed that new, smooth pavement is the worst, and there's a fair bit of that around here. Maybe the stock Michelins are particularly squealy tires as well? I had some Kumhos on my old WRX that really squealed around corners, and the replacement Pirellis were much quieter.

Anyhow, just a little rant about getting beat off the line by moms in minivans because I don't want to peel out and have everyone giving me dirty looks

 

I have the same problem here. New pavement is the worst, and newly painted crosswalk lines.

 

I kinda like that, actually. It works better than a horn when passing sunday drivers. LOL. But I think you're right. It has to do with Michelin tires.

**EDIT**

Second gear squeels from 40-60 in second are AWESOME.

 

The Goodyear Eagle RS-A's I put on mine only squeal when I want 'em to. Very sticky, even in the rain. I highly recommend them.

 

Yes, after the tune I have gotten in the habit of easing off the line in first and short shifting to second. Like you said, I love the way it breaks loose smoothly when at full boost in second at 40 to 60 mph and pulls HARD!

 

Don't drive in Vegas. Roads are slick for some reason.

 

mine squeel when i leave the line sometimes and i just got a 2.2 LS

 

Sounds as though we both have the same driving habits. 1st is usless..... and like you say the pull in 2nd is great. Puts a smile on my face every time I do it. The squeal of the tires at the beginning of the pull is just a topper.

Dennis

 

lol at this thread.....I thought I was the only one! Now with my winter tires there is no sqeal, the firestone winterforce tires have a harder tread so they just spin with no noise. I'm sure it's much worse for us tuned guys! Keep up the good threads!

 

Don't feel so bad, you SS owners. This happens with my bone stock 2.4 as well. Today it rained after a few weeks without, and with the leaves and oily road deposits, it is almost impossible to take off without spinning the wheels.